(Closed) How much is mistake on dress worth?

My sister got a dress that was supposed to be white and it came in ivory. The order was correct but the manufactor messed up anyway. Her wedding is in 1 month so they can’t get a new dress as it was custom made. She wants them to compensate her but how much do you ask for…what is a mistake like this worth? The money won’t make her happier with her dress but she can use it to get something else like great jewlery.

I think it would depend on the cost of the dress and even then it should simply be a percentage.

You said the wedding is in 1 month. How long ago was the dress ordered? How long before the wedding did the dress arrive? (i.e., did it just come in now or did it come in about 2 months ago?) You also said the dress was custom–was it ‘she designed it herself and had a seamstress make it’ custom or ‘she has unique measurements and custom ordered for length/bust/waist measurements to avoid alterations’ custom? If it is the first, find a percentage you feel comfortable asking for. If it is the second, maybe they have something in a similar size and they can foot the bill for all the customizing alterations?

Was it from a known manufacturer? Or from an independent dress maker? I’d say you can ask for more off from a corporation since they can afford more losses. I agree that it should be substantial (40 or 50%) because it isn’t what she ordered AND it could mean needing to buy different shoes and accessories (if she has ivory shoes or a belt or hair accessories).

I agree, at least 50% would suffice. There really is no excusing a mistake like that. At that price point, the manufacturer should be sure to send out the right order, they don’t want to lose business for carelessness! I hope your sister ends up loving the ivory dress!

I think it is a big deal but I don’t think it is realistic to expect such a refund if she is willing to accept the dress. I would first ask for them to rush order the correct dress and if that is really not possible I would look for conpensation based on incured costs. For example, if she needs to get a new veil, shoes, etc. due to the color switch, I would add up the actual costs incurred by her due to their mistake, include reciepts and ask for reimbursement from the manufacturer since it was their mistake. If, however, she has not incured tangible damages from this and is still willing to accept the dress, I think a 20% refund may be more realistic. Although it never hurts to aim high as long as you are flexible. If they say no to 50%, but counter offer with 30% it’s still quite good. Good luck to her!

Knowing my mom, she’d ask for the dress free =]. THEY MESSED IT UP. Tell them you wouldn’t even have paid $1,000 for an IVORY dress, you wanted a WHITE dress. I’d ask what the best price is they could give (probably not great), laugh a little, and say, “i’ll pay X”. I’m not sure I would pay $1,000 for the wrong dress. maybe $500. I mean, seriously, i would never pay for something I didn’t want. In fact, i’d be fuming. Literally fuming.

The dress was ordered a very long time ago–SOMEBODY dropped the ball, big time.

Ask your sister what she would feel would be worth it. Would she pay $1500 for that dress? or $1,000?

It was custom made AND they messed it up? Yeah. I’d settle for the “at cost” value. Probably a few hundred bucks. Knowing me, I’d be so pissed I’d rather buy somewhere else. But that’s me!

That’s awful! If it were me, I would see if I could get a white dress elsewhere, and if not, I would ask for it for free. That is a HUGE mistake. For me, it was very important to wear white since we were waiting til marriage, and it was so hard! Also, among my relatives, if someone wears ivory, people raise questions.

(Note: I am not judging those who made different decisions than me, just explaining what was important to me.)

Ohhh I’d SO be all over asking for 100% compensation PLUS a new dress for the stress of it all a month before the wedding. It would never happen, but the worst they can say is “No.” Then go down from there…100%, 75%, etc.